Janine's plant of the week:

Three of Janine Mendel's favourite plants for creating lush sub tropical gardens are the sago palm cycad (Cycas revoluta), Philodendron selloum 'Compacta' and frangipani.

The cycad is prone to frizzle top in Perth's alkaline soils.  This is a nutrient deficiency that is treated with foliar sprays of manganese sulphate.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Snow Queen' has green foliage splashed with white and if grown in full sun has dramatic red single hibiscus flowers. It grows to 1.5m to 3m tall but can be trimmed to size. In this photo taken in Janine's garden it contrasts with the lobed foliage of Philodendron selloum ‘Compacta'.

Dwarf sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica)

Dwarf sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica) has beautiful bright red tints to its lacy foliage, suits sun or shade and is available in a range of sizes to suit every garden.  Here it is teamed with an edging of native violets (Viola hederacea).

Frangipani are easy, waterwise plants for warm temperate, sub tropical and tropical climates and have fragrant blooms during warm weather.